I’m back with another Clarins mascara! I am slowly working my way through their mascaras and when I got a press sample of this one, I couldn’t wait to put it to use. It’s a waterproof mascara! I am always on the hunt for a good waterproof mascara. Especially in the summer time. I had high hopes for this bad boy…

Nothing fancy in the packaging department…

Price: $27.56 from Amazon.com.Packaging (brush wand): 4 out of 5Overall: 3 out of 5

What It Claims: “The name says it all. This mascara not only creates volume, curl and definition but is also resistant to water.”(source)

The Truth: It’s waterproof…but only for a split second.

What I Loved About It: It has a fantastic formula and wand.

What I Didn’t Like: It just wasn’t…waterproof.

Overall: I’m a fan of Clarins. I haven’t featured many of their products but I’ve been messing around with them for a while. I’ve reviewed one of their mascaras before and I had high hopes for this one. Then again, I tend to think that when you spend a good chunk of money on higher-end cosmetics, they SHOULD work. Of course that isn’t always the case but hey…a girl can dream. At first glance, this mascara appears to have it all. It’s got decent and unassuming packaging and the wand is nice.

It reminds me a lot of those super cheap mascaras. And not in a bad way. It’s simple, sweeps well through wonky lashes and it gets the job done. It isn’t plush so you won’t achieve insane volume but that’s okay because it’s a waterproof mascara. Any added volume would just be a perk.

Initial application of this mascara is grand. The gel-like formula laid on my lashes with ease. But because it’s a waterproof mascara I wanted to ensure that it could hold up if water hit it. So I dunked my face in a sink full of water and…the mascara stayed! I didn’t see any smudging and I was elated. And then I let my face dry and before I knew it the mascara was flaking off of my lashes. Oh boooo! It broke my heart, really. I tried testing the mascara again by spritzing my face with water and while the mascara stood up a little bit better, it eventually started to flake away. Dang it, man. The volume and lengthening is actually really decent so I was so sad that the waterpoof-ness wasn’t up to par.

Bare Lashes

Lashes after 2 coats

Do I recommend it?: If you’re looking for a waterproof mascara, PASS. If you’re a Clarins lover who needs a decent amount of volume, go for it.

I’m still on the hunt for a fantastic waterproof mascara. Have you found one yet?

This sponsored post is brought to you by Glam! Remember that time I told you I’d be reviewing the Schick® Quattro for Women® TrimStyle®? Well, I’m baaaack. I’ve had my eyes on this razor for years and I can’t believe I’m just now reviewing it. I’m not going to be hitting the beach and pools as much as I’d like to this summer but that doesn’t mean I don’t have to keep the hair situation in tact. Y’all know I have no issue with hair on the body but let’s face it, rockin’ shorts, skirts and swimsuits looks a lot better when you don’t have grizzly-like hair crawling up your legs. Trust me on this. And so the Trimstyle is crazy useful. I had a quick trip to NYC a few weeks back and what better time to test drive a new beauty product than when you’re traveling?

Things To Love About The Schick® Quattro for Women® TrimStyle® Razor:
-The trimStyle razor and bikini trimmer is a battery-powered vibrating trimmer.
-The handle is easy to control.
-Portable. Although it’s heavier than the average razor, it is still small enough to toss in a bag.
-Contoured rubber handle. It doesn’t seem like a big deal but the rubber handle gives great control.

Gorgeous handle, huh? My biggest issue with shaving is that a lot of the times the handles just won’t fit nicely in my hands. I don’t have that problem with this baby. The battery-powered vibrating trimmer just needs 1 AAA battery and it is housed nicely in the handle. You won’t have to worry about any water seeping in. I’m not sure if the vibrating makes much of a difference when shaving but hey, it’s a nice little feature to have.

Perfect for taking on trips and for keeping in the shower, I’m adding this razor to my list of awesome razors. I’ve already got a few other Schick razors on that list so this kid will be in great company. So yes, my loves…if you’re looking for a razor this summer, I’d definitely take a look at this one.

Schick® Quattro for Women® TrimStyle® enables women to shave, trim and transform themselves with a simple flip of the handle. Getting your garden ready has never been this much fun thanks to the Prune for June Pinterest contest. Share your best summer style for a chance to win

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Schick® Quattro for Women® TrimStyle® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Schick® Quattro for Women® TrimStyle®. amazing prizes.

Guest Post of the Week, as chosen by we heart this – We love Beauty Info Zone for their straightforward and informative reviews on all things beauty, and we check in every week for The Sunday Scoop, which always includes a list of the very best beauty giveaways on the webs.

Question of the Week:

When it comes to nail care, how often do you moisturize your cuticles? Do you prefer balms, creams or oils to get the job done?

B says, “Pre-baby I did that stuff nightly. Now I moisturize when I can. I don’t think you really need a separate cuticle moisturizer so I try to pay attention to them when I’m slathering coconut oil all over.”

My love for NUANCE Salma Hayek products continue. I hosted a party on behalf of the brand a few weeks back (post coming soon) and now I’ve gone from liking the brand to being totally obsessed. I mean, what’s not to love? The products are affordable, easy to find and they are preservative-free. This CVS-exclusive brand has quickly become one of my favorite brands and it’s because their products always feel high-end.

Like this gel cleanser…

Man, this stuff is fantastic. I’ve been using it for a month now and it is absolutely wonderful. I spotted this at one of my CVS’s (but haven’t seen it at any others) and I can’t believe I waited so long to try it. Both oily and dry skin lovers can get behind this because it’s hydrating, soothing and cleansing. I know people are suspicious about cleansers that don’t foam up but you really don’t need suds to thoroughly cleanse the skin.

And yeah, I can be a lover of the suds too but this cleanser is just ridiculously refreshing. Especially on these too hot to think Florida days.

Pro’s

-It feels cooling. If you’ve got sunburned skin, this will feel so good on your skin.
-A little goes a long way.
-The woodsy fragrance is niiiiice. And because of that, men may like this cleanser too.
-It thoroughly cleanses the skin. I checked by using a makeup remover after using the cleanser.
-Great and gentle enough for acne prone skin.

Con’s

-The lack of suds may have you questioning if your skin is really cleansed.
-It is not suitable for cleaning off waterproof makeup. You’ll need a makeup remover for that.
-May not be available at your CVS.
-It’s a tad bit pricey for a drugstore face cleanser.

Okay, so I don’t do “sneak peek” type posts often because I think they’re kinda cruel. It’s like, “Look at this awesome new product that you can’t buy yet!” And if you’re like me and obsess over things that you can’t have you’ll think about this product all day. You’ll dream about it and it’ll just annoy you that you can’t get it. So no. I don’t do that to y’all. Because I love y’all that much.

But…there’s an exception to every rule, right? I just HAD to show you some sneak peek shots of Avon’s new Mega Effects mascara. It comes out in July and this mascara is going to single handedly change the game!

See what I mean? How is this even possible? I know. I know! it’s the coolest thing I’ve seen in a long time. I’ve been testing it for quite some time now so of course you can look forward to a review soon. Just know that you’ll probably want it. So yeah. Go ahead and save your $10.

Yaaaaaaay!!! You crack up every time I say that. I mean, EVERY TIME. If if weren’t for your pictures, I would hardly remember you being a 5 lb little peanut. You are 13 lbs of chunk and I love it. I have gotten over feeling bad for your small weight. Mommy guilt is something else. I blamed myself for your being born early. I blamed myself for you being so little. And I blamed myself for you not breasteeding. I’ve let it all go. I am more focused on the now and making sure that you are happy and healthy.

And you’re both. You have the best personality, Muffin. I mean, seriously…I look forward to you waking up in the morning. You pop your head up and give me the biggest smile. And you laugh. A lot. You laugh, you talk, you babble, you sing…it is all so beautiful to me. You tend to be quieter around different surroundings and people but when you are at home and in your element, you can talk nonstop. You’ve started screaming too. Long gone is your sweet whimper. Now when there’s something you want, you SCREAM. And you growl too. Daddy and I think it’s hilarious. How can you be so cute by growling?

And you want to touch everything. If it is anywhere near your reach, you’re grabbing it.

That includes Daddy’s beard and Mommy’s earrings. You know how to grab for your bottle to bring it to your mouth. You grab at any and everything. And the minute you get whatever it is you want, it’s going straight into your mouth. How your little mouth emits so much drool is beyond me. You go through at least 2-3 bibs a day.

Eating

You are still eating nothing but breast milk. Mama’s milk supply has decreased significantly but I still have enough to feed you and to donate. I am going to start stashing away milk so that by the time you turn 1, you’ll have enough milk until you’re at least 14-16 months old. No solids yet. We’ll wait until you’re 6 months. You are definitely interested though. You stare at Daddy and I when we eat and you love grabbing at our plates.

Sleeping

You’ve got one wonky sleep schedule but I stopped complained about it. You HAVE to be in bed by 7pm. If we don’t get you there, you are beyond fussy. You’ll get up for a bottle around 10pm and then you get up again at 3am. Each time you wake up, you go back to sleep after having your bottle. You take nice long naps throughout the day (at least 2) and on the weekends when you don’t nap, you’re still in good spirits. When it’s time for night-night, you pop your thumb in your mouth and go right to sleep. It is usually that easy.

You got your ears pierced and I adore them! You look even sweeter and you handled the piercing like a champ. Your eczema is clearing up beautifully. You wear cloth diapers every night and if I can come across more affordably, I want to start clothing you when you go to your sitter. Cloth diapering is surprisingly easy and it feels great not having to buy diapers every week. Oh…and that stroller? We don’t touch it. Mama wears you everywhere!

I never got why women were so passionate about baby wearing but I’ve seen the light. One day it was pouring down raining. I had to get you, groceries, my breast pump, your bottle bag and my purse out of the car. We waited for the rain to stop for 20 minutes. It didn’t stop. I popped you in a ring sling and grabbed the bags and an umbrella and made it to the door. I had never felt so powerful before. You? You just babbled the whole time mama dodged rain puddles.

Basically, you’re perfect. I know no one is perfect but you are, Muffin. You really are. You light up our lives and you give me purpose each and everyday. I work harder for you. I hate having to go to work and leave you but at the same time, I take pride in knowing that I am actively working hard to provide for our family. It’s not easy but I work long hours, come home to play and snuggle with you, clean the house, run a business and I do it everyday. It’s exhausting but so rewarding.

It is an honor being your mommy.

Elle Bits:
-You giggle uncontrollably when I try to clean your neck.
-You are now totally against your carseat. You cry every time we drive. You eventually soothe yourself.
-Your pediatrician says that you are healthy!
-You love nature.
-You are nosy. I mean, so nosy. You want to see EVERY thing.
-You love music. And you love being sung to.
-You smile. A lot! And at strangers too.

This post will have absolutely nothing to do with beauty. I hope you don’t mind that. Sometimes I need to write about something other than a mascara, ya know? I used to write in diaries and journals daily. I miss those days. Even now if I wanted to write in a journal, I’d be consistent for a good week and then fall off the wagon.

Can I be honest? I mean, REALLY honest? I am crazy stressed out. I could blame the pressures of being a new mom but honestly, I think I was stressed before Elle Belle. I’m just one of those people who happens to always be on the edge about something: finances, job circumstances, weight, location, health. You name it and I stress about it. It’s just who I am. And stress isn’t always a bad thing. But lately, I’ve just been wiped out. Do you ever feel like you work too hard but at the same time you’re not working hard enough? It’s so tough to find a balance.

You ever want to get away? I mean, REALLY get away? Not worry about a thing and just jet to an island where the sun is plentiful and the only disturbance you hear are the waves crashing? I’ve been to Miami, Jamaica and the Bahamas…I know what paradise looks like. And man, how I’d love to visit again. But investing in a trip seems crazy when there are so many other expenses in my lane.

I’m not complaining. I’m grateful for every breath I take. I am thankful for my beautiful family, the opportunities that have come by way and the doors that I know will open for me in the future. I am confident and positive but hey I’m all about accepting ALL of my emotions and sheesh…I’m stressed.

I say all of that to say that posts may be slow and inconsistent. My only free time to really blog is after work and I’d rather spend time with Elle and prepping for the next day. And even after she goes asleep sometimes I want to sit in the dark and do nothing. Think about nothing. I just want to be.

Sometimes we DO so much. It’s as if we forgot how to BE. Be in the moment. Be still. Be quiet. And maybe it’s the Capricorn in me but I love the quiet. I need it sometimes.

Tomorrow I’ll put up Baby Elle’s 5 month update. And then after that, I’m just going to go with the flow.

Instagram Is Love

1 week agoby clumpsofmascara"Mine mama?" Oh no, toddler. This is mine. Alllll mine! Can't wait to play around with these @paulaschoice #skincare goodies. And how gorgeous is that palette? Join me and grab a few thangs! If you use the code PRIMP20 at PaulasChoice.com, you can save 20%. Thank you @prettyinmypoc !
#PRIMPlovesPaula #powerprimpin#PaulasChoiceSkincare #powerprimper​

3 weeks agoby clumpsofmascaraFlowers are blooming in the yard and I picked a pretty flower and put it in a purple mason jar to give to a friend. It's the little things, right?